Lisbon Tourist Information and Tourism

(Lisbon, Portugal)

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon stands next to the Tagus Estuary and enjoys an especially sunny position on the coastline of the European Atlantic. Famed for its exciting nightlife and casinos, Lisbon boasts a distinctive laid-back vibe with a strong feeling of the past and little in the way of modern buildings.

Many of the boulevards around Lisbon are lined with mature trees and a number of wonderfully stylish Art Nouveau residences, while it is generally the city's nearby beach resorts that draw in the most tourists. The Costa da Caparica features some of the very best beaches within Lisbon and lies on the southern side of the River Tagus, while the beaches around the Praia da Adraga are considered by many to be amongst the best in Europe.

For tourist information, the Welcome Centre de Lisboa (Lisbon Welcome Centre) is a good place to pick up leaflets and a range of tourism advice. This is also where you can purchase a moneysaving 'Lisboa Card', although this is only really worthwhile if you intend to sightsee in a big way. The Welcome Centre can also offer advice about Lisbon hotels, providing information about the available accommodation within the lively Bairro Alto area, the scenic Baixa neighbourhood, the shoppping district of Tivoli, and the various nearby beach resorts, such as Guincho.

Lisbon Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Apart from its many natural coastal attractions, tourists looking to be entertained will find that the places of interest around Lisbon are both extensive and quite diverse. An array of marine life can be observed at both the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium) and the Aquário Vasco da Gama (City Aquarium). Also of interest are the city's street cars (Elevador da Bica), which transport passengers up and down extremely steep hills, the sea lions and children's farm at the Zoological Gardens (Jardim Zoológico), and the breathtaking waterfalls at the Monumental Fountain, which are all the more special when illuminated by night. More information about Lisbon Tourist Attractions.

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is rightly home to many of the country's most splendid buildings and landmarks, particularly around the districts of Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Graça. Tourists should be sure to visit the 14th-century Castle of Sao Jorge and its countless medieval features, the Portuguese National Library (Biblioteca Nacional) within the Campo Grande area, and the Arco da Rua Augusta, a historic and rather elegant stone archway of grand proportions. The Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno is another magnificent structure in central Lisbon and today markets itself as a venue for many different events, even featuring its very own shopping centre. More information about Lisbon Landmarks.

For a spot of culture and information about Lisbon's rich past, jump onboard the mini-train and head on into the Belem area, where a number of old structures and notable museums await. Many people also find the Museu da Cidade (City Museum) a great way to pass some time and learn more about the evolution and past of Lisbon, being housed within the beautiful Palácio Pimenta. Others simply enjoy the botanical exhibits at the Museu Nacional de História Natural (Natural History Museum), the costumes and antique props at the Museu Nacional do Teatro (National Theatre Museum), or the 200 waxwork statues at the enjoyable Museu de Cera (Wax Museum). If you have time to visit just a couple of art galleries whilst in Lisbon, make them the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Historic Art) and the Museu da Arte Popular (Museum of Popular Art), which are the best places to experience some fine Portuguese art works, from all over the country. More information about Lisbon Museums and Lisbon Art Galleries.

If you wish to fully explore Portugal's lengthy coastline, then use Lisbon as a base for day trips. Carcabelos is an extremely good spot to start and contains a particularly glorious beach, with strong waves often frequented by surfers. Tourists will also enjoy a day soaking up the sun at the beaches around the Bay of Cascais and Estoril, although the neighbouring town of Sintra should not be overlooked, where attractions include the Castelo dos Mouros, the Pena National Palace and the Sintra National Palace, all of which are now designated as World Heritage Sites. More information about Lisbon Attractions Nearby.